Winter Tree Care—What You Can Do Now

As the temperatures drop and your landscape begins to quiet down, it’s easy to assume your trees are fine on their own. After all, they’ve survived winters before, right? But even dormant trees face a range of seasonal stressors that can affect their health, structure, and long-term vitality. That’s why fall is the perfect time to take action.

Why Winter Tree Care Matters

Winter brings freezing temperatures, dry air, heavy snow, and strong winds—all of which can take a toll on your trees. While they may not be actively growing, trees still need protection from the elements. Without proper care, they can suffer from:

  • Frost cracks in the bark due to rapid temperature changes

  • Broken limbs from snow and ice accumulation

  • Desiccation (drying out) from cold winds and lack of moisture

  • Animal damage from deer, rabbits, and rodents seeking food

  • Salt exposure from nearby roads or sidewalks

These issues often go unnoticed until spring, when the damage becomes visible—and sometimes irreversible.

What You Can Do in the Fall

Preparing your trees for winter doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few proactive steps you can take now:

  • Mulch Around the Base: A layer of mulch helps insulate roots, retain moisture, and prevent soil temperature fluctuations.

  • Wrap Young or Thin-Barked Trees: Protective wraps guard against frost cracks and animal browsing.

  • Prune Damaged or Weak Limbs: Removing vulnerable branches reduces the risk of breakage during snowstorms.

  • Water Before the Ground Freezes: Hydrating your trees in late fall helps them withstand dry winter conditions.

  • Inspect for Pests or Disease: Catching problems early allows for treatment before dormancy sets in.

These simple measures can make a big difference in how your trees handle the winter months.

How Master Arbor Can Help

At Master Arbor, we offer customized winter tree care plans based on your landscape’s unique needs. Our certified arborists assess each tree’s condition and recommend targeted solutions to protect them from seasonal stress. Whether it’s pruning, mulching, wrapping, or pest management, we’ve got you covered.

We also understand the specific challenges of Utah’s climate—like sudden temperature swings and dry winter air—and tailor our services accordingly. Our goal is to help your trees not just survive the winter, but thrive when spring returns.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Winter tree care is all about prevention. By acting now, you avoid costly damage, preserve your landscape’s beauty, and support long-term tree health. It’s a small investment with big returns.

Ready to winter-proof your trees? Contact Master Arbor today to schedule your seasonal tree care service. Let’s keep your trees strong, safe, and ready for whatever winter brings.

Next
Next

Why Dormant Season Is Ideal for Tree Removals